**Tyler ISD Board Calls for $398 Million Bond Election on May 4**
TYLER, TX – The Tyler ISD Board of Trustees officially called a $398,390,000 bond election for May 4, 2024, during its meeting on February 20. The proposed bond package, divided into two propositions, aims to address aging facilities, accommodate student growth, and enhance security and technology across the district.
Proposition A, totaling $387,930,000, is earmarked for significant facility modernizations. This includes the rebuilding or extensive renovation of four elementary schools: Clarkston, Orr, Peete, and Dixie. Additionally, Proposition A allocates funds for renovations at Rice and Hubbard Middle Schools, the construction of a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) center, district-wide safety and security upgrades, technology improvements, and other critical capital projects.
Proposition B requests $10,460,000, specifically designated for athletic facility improvements. These upgrades would encompass stadiums, gyms, weight rooms, and other facilities vital for student athletic programs.
The bond proposal stems from recommendations by the district's Facilities Planning Committee, a community group that began meeting in September 2023. The committee presented its comprehensive findings and recommendations to the Board on February 15, just five days prior to the official election call.
District officials highlight the necessity of the bond due to the average age of Tyler ISD's facilities being 50 years. With a growing student population of nearly 18,000, the bond is crucial for managing capacity, improving learning environments, and ensuring modern security and technological infrastructure for all students and staff.
A key aspect of the proposed bond is its projected impact on local taxpayers. Tyler ISD projects no increase to the Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate if the bond is approved. The district is decreasing its Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate in 2024, and the I&S tax rate itself has remained unchanged since 2017. For more information on the bond proposal, residents are encouraged to visit the Tyler ISD website at tylerisd.org.
